Watching fireworks is one of the best parts of a 4th of July celebration, but thousands of people are hurt each Independence Day due to firework burns. The best thing you can do is to leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals. However, if you choose to set them off yourself, remember the following before grabbing the lighter:
Fireworks Safety
• Check with your police dept. to ensure fireworks are legal in your community
• Do not let children play with fireworks
o Even sparklers can get up to 1800 degrees and are the leading cause of injuries associated with fireworks
• Leave your pets inside and out of reach of fireworks
• Put a bucket of water, hose or bottles of water closeby
• Avoid fireworks completely if it’s a windy day when sparks drift a longer distance
• Use open areas to ignite fireworks and point them away from homes, other buildings, trees and flammable material
Burn Care
Unfortunately, burns occur every year, so it’s better to be prepared during your holiday than to be sorry afterwards. If you plan on setting off fireworks, read these simple steps:
• Take a First-Aid Kit with you
• Pick up a few bottles of water for hydration and to clean and cool a burn
• If a burn happens:
o Cool the burned area with water for one to two minutes
o Cover the burn with a clean, sterile dressing
o Do not use adhesive bandages that stick to the skin, making the burn worse
o If the burn is larger than the size of a quarter, seek a doctor’s aid
We hope these few suggestions help you feel prepared before celebrating July 4th. Please remember that if you experience any property damage caused by water, fire, mold or storms, Call Paul! We’re available 24/7 for all your restoration, reconstruction and remodeling needs.
Happy July 4th!
-From your friends at Paul Davis